Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is making headlines once again as he gears up for a potential comeback fight against Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title this July. The announcement comes from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who confirmed the matchup during an interview with Boxing King Media, stating, "At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight." This news is particularly significant as it marks Pacquiao's return to the ring after a long hiatus following his last official bout in August 2021, where he lost to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.
Pacquiao, who turns 47 in December, has not fought professionally since that defeat, but he has not officially announced his retirement either. The Filipino icon, known for his illustrious career spanning over three decades, has a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 of those victories coming by knockout. In contrast, Barrios, who is 29 years old and stands at 6 feet tall, holds a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 knockouts to his name. Barrios claimed the WBC interim welterweight title after defeating Ugas by unanimous decision in September 2023 and was elevated to full champion status in June 2024 after Terence Crawford moved to the 154-pound division.
The fight is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 19, 2025, pending the outcome of Pacquiao's current political campaign, as he is running for reelection to the Philippine Senate in the upcoming May 12 elections. Sean Gibbons, head of Pacquiao's MP Promotions, emphasized that the fight's confirmation is contingent upon the election results, saying, "Everything’s going to depend on the result of the elections." Pacquiao has expressed his desire to retire as a champion, which adds further motivation for this bout against Barrios.
Interestingly, Pacquiao has already made a brief return to the ring, participating in a three-round exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in July 2024. While the exhibition was not a professional fight, it gave Pacquiao a chance to shake off some rust, although he did not appear at his best during that encounter. The fight against Barrios will be a significant test for the aging champion, who is stepping into the ring with an opponent nearly 17 years his junior.
In the boxing community, the announcement of this fight has generated mixed reactions. Some fans are excited to see Pacquiao back in action, while others are concerned about his ability to compete at a high level after such a long break. WBC president Sulaiman defended Pacquiao's right to challenge for a title, referencing the organization’s rules that allow notable former champions to request title fights upon returning from retirement. He cited the example of Sugar Ray Leonard, who successfully came out of retirement to defeat Marvin Hagler.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential fight, there are still uncertainties. Gibbons has previously denied that any fight is scheduled, emphasizing Pacquiao's focus on his political career. In an interview, he stated, "There is no Manny Pacquiao fights (scheduled for this year). These reports on fighting Mario Barrios are not right. Manny Pacquiao is running for Senator of the Philippines on May 12. After, he’ll decide if he wants to box again." This statement has led to speculation about whether the fight will indeed take place or if it is merely a rumor.
As the boxing world awaits the outcome of the elections, fans are left to ponder what the future holds for Pacquiao. If he does step back into the ring, it will not only be a significant moment for his career but also a historic one, as he aims to become the oldest welterweight champion if he secures victory against Barrios. The current record for the oldest champion is held by Bernard Hopkins, who won the light heavyweight title at the age of 48.
The fight against Barrios is not just about the title; it represents Pacquiao's enduring legacy in the sport. Known for his relentless fighting style and ability to overcome challenges, Pacquiao's return to the ring could serve as a testament to his dedication to boxing, even as he navigates the complexities of his political career.
As the date approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding Pacquiao's potential return. Will he be able to reclaim a title and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time? Or will the challenges of age and time prove too daunting for the boxing icon? Only time will tell as the situation continues to unfold.
